Walls
- Date: Giugno 2022.
- Typology: Concorso.
- Dimension: 500 m².
- Location: Alpi Marittime, Italy.
The objective of this proposal is to identify the new access route for the Migliorero refuge that satisfies the identified needs and the redevelopment of the areas in front. The layout and organization of the areas and routes is the result of a careful study of the paths, hills and mountains of the Ischiator valley: particular attention was paid to their relationship with the landscape where the construction system and its orientation together with the refuge manages to best satisfy the requirements of reception, aggregation and protection of the visitor.
The project idea is an authentic journey that relates to the landscape and built with local materials and techniques. The Migliorero refuge which, with its prominent and central position in the Ischiator valley, directs and attracts hikers from afar, the new route relates in the same way to the breathtaking peaks above. Punta Zanotti, Passo di Rostagno, Testa della Costabella are just some of the other peaks that overlook the valley and which attract the visitor by diverting his gaze. It is therefore natural to think of a panoramic route generated by the main views, visible and accessible on the ground through local stone walls and terraces, where the path is diverted towards a panoramic climb, with refreshment and meeting areas, until reaching the entrance of the refuge. Identity and character are thus restored to the refuge by providing it with services that help with the transition from the natural to the artificial dimension. A vernacular path that uses technologies from the past and brings back memories of its own paths.
The proposal for the new access to the refuge is presented by five walls which are the real protagonists, they hide their function and are used as a structure. Alongside them, just as many stairs facilitate the route until you reach the entrance to the refuge. The new access is proposed at the base of the rocky relief, in the natural valley between the two rocks on the north-east side of the refuge. In choosing this location, a strong dialogue was sought between the new route and the refuge, almost identifying them as unitary, and obtaining great advantages both from a morphological and functional point of view, inviting and directly leading the hiker to the area of entrance.
Five fundamental areas are thus defined and created which increase in size as they go up, to emphasize the welcome that Migliorero is ready to offer: – An invitation and welcome area which opens the way towards the climb, visible from the valley in order to direct who gets to take the new path. – Two areas that allow you to rest and observe the panorama you are leaving behind. – A filter area where you can realize the feat you have just accomplished, stock up on water and prepare for the entrance. – A meeting area where you can socialise, gather in the evenings or even organize lunches and dinners in the open air. A real stay surrounded by our mountains. – Ultima, a more private open area that is discovered only after entering but at the same time the largest area. A real garden where a deck and a panoramic point are available for various outdoor activities. The principles of minimizing resources and materials extraneous to the place, the choice of technical solutions of maximum ease and economy of construction and maintenance, had primary importance, which is why the choice of natural materials that characterize the landscape of our Alps. Local stone and fir wood, in their natural colours, as dominant materials throughout the route, manage to express belonging to the place.